France Inflation Confirmed at 14-Month High

2026-04-15 06:59 By Kyrie Dichosa 1 min. read

France’s annual inflation accelerated to 1.7% in March 2026 from 0.9% in February, confirming preliminary estimates and marking its highest level since January 2025.

Main upward pressure came from a sharp rebound in energy prices (+7.4% vs -2.9% in February), particularly petroleum products such as diesel, petrol, and liquid fuels, attributed to the impact of the war in Iran.

Services inflation also edged up to 1.7% from 1.6%, supported by a recovery in transport and communication costs, while tobacco prices rose faster (+3.2% vs +3.0%).

In contrast, food inflation eased to 1.8% from 2.0%, while prices of manufactured goods fell more sharply (-0.5% vs -0.2%).

On a monthly basis, the CPI rose 1.0% in March, picking up from 0.6% in February, also largely due to a surge in energy prices, especially petroleum products.

Meanwhile, the EU-harmonised CPI increased 2.0% year-on-year, the highest since August 2024, and rose 1.1% on the month, the biggest gain since August 2023.



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France Inflation Confirmed at 14-Month High
France’s annual inflation accelerated to 1.7% in March 2026 from 0.9% in February, confirming preliminary estimates and marking its highest level since January 2025. Main upward pressure came from a sharp rebound in energy prices (+7.4% vs -2.9% in February), particularly petroleum products such as diesel, petrol, and liquid fuels, attributed to the impact of the war in Iran. Services inflation also edged up to 1.7% from 1.6%, supported by a recovery in transport and communication costs, while tobacco prices rose faster (+3.2% vs +3.0%). In contrast, food inflation eased to 1.8% from 2.0%, while prices of manufactured goods fell more sharply (-0.5% vs -0.2%). On a monthly basis, the CPI rose 1.0% in March, picking up from 0.6% in February, also largely due to a surge in energy prices, especially petroleum products. Meanwhile, the EU-harmonised CPI increased 2.0% year-on-year, the highest since August 2024, and rose 1.1% on the month, the biggest gain since August 2023.
2026-04-15
France Inflation Almost Doubles in March
The annual inflation rate in France jumped to 1.7% in March 2026, its highest level since January 2025, up from 0.9% in February and slightly above expectations of 1.6%, according to preliminary estimates. The increase was largely driven by a strong rebound in energy prices, which rose for the first time since early 2025 (+7.3% vs -2.9% in February), particularly for petroleum products, reflecting the impact of the war with Iran. Service prices also edged higher (1.7% vs 1.6%), as did tobacco prices (3.2% vs 3%). In contrast, prices for manufactured goods declined at a faster pace than in February (-0.6% vs -0.2%), while food price inflation eased slightly (1.8% vs 2%). Compared to the previous month, the CPI went up 0.9%, the most since February 2024, also due to energy. Meanwhile, the EU-harmonised CPI increased 1.9% on the year, the highest reading since August 2024, and 1.1% on the month, the biggest jump since August 2023.
2026-03-31
France February Inflation Revised to 0.9%
France’s annual inflation picked up to 0.9% in February 2026 from 0.3% in January, but was revised lower from initial estimates of 1%. The rise reflected a moderation in energy price declines (-2.9% vs -7.6%), driven by a base effect on electricity (-3.6% after -14.6%) and smaller drops in petroleum products. Manufactured goods prices also fell slightly (-0.2% vs -1.2%). Meanwhile, food inflation accelerated to 2% from 1.9%, led by fresh products (+1.8%), fruits and vegetables (+19.8%), and meat (+3.4%). Tobacco rose 3.0% from 2.7%, while services slowed to 1.6% from 1.7%. Annual core inflation came at 0.9%. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose 0.6% after a 0.3% decline in January, driven by seasonal rebounds in transport (+4.1%) and manufactured goods (+1.4%), including the end of clothing and footwear sales (+5.9%). The EU-harmonised CPI rose 1.1% year-on-year, after 0.4% in January, while the monthly HICP increased 0.7% after a 0.4% decline.
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